South Africa vs. Ireland RWC 2023 Betting Tips

This Saturday's showdown between the top two ranked teams in World Rugby, Ireland and South Africa, is arguably the highlight of the World Cup. This match is set to determine the leader of Pool B.

Quarter-Final Stakes: Both teams are poised to face tough challenges in the quarter-finals, with powerhouses France and New Zealand awaiting. Securing a win in this match would provide a significant psychological advantage.

Match Details

• Teams: Ireland vs. South Africa
• Date: Saturday, 23 September
• Venue: Stade de France
• Odds:
  • Ireland: 12/10
  • Draw: 22/1
  • South Africa: 7/10

Ireland's Performance

The Irish team has had a commendable start to their Rugby World Cup journey, marking two significant victories in the initial pool rounds. Their campaign began with a resounding 82-8 triumph over Romania. Despite some early challenges from Romania, the Irish team remained largely unfazed.

In their recent match against Tonga, coach Andy Farrell took a bold step by playing a nearly full-strength team against the robust Pacific side. This strategy proved successful as Ireland clinched a 59-16 win, securing their second bonus point of the tournament.

On the injury front, prop Finlay Bealham suffered a head injury, putting his participation in the upcoming match against South Africa in doubt. However, there's positive news with the anticipated return of first-choice hooker Dan Sheehan, who has recovered from a foot injury.

South Africa's Performance

The Springboks have also started their campaign on a high, registering wins against Scotland (18-3) and Romania (76-0). However, they faced a setback with the injury of their dynamic hooker, Malcom Marx, who has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury. Instead of bringing in the next hooker, Joseph Dweba, the team management has decided to recall World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard.

With some challenges in kicking, Pollard's return seems timely, and he might be included in the matchday squad due to a potential late 'injury' withdrawal. Another concern for the Springboks is the fitness of prop Vincent Koch, who had to withdraw from the Romania match due to a knee injury. On a brighter note, Eben Etzebeth is recovering faster than anticipated from his shoulder injury and is expected to be back in the starting lineup for the crucial match.

The inclusion of Etzebeth is a significant boost for the Springboks, enhancing their physical dominance. Pollard's return is also timely, positioning him as a potential game-changer in the latter half of the match.

Verdict

This promises to be one of the best matches of the group stages, with the reigning champions, South Africa, taking on the number 1 ranked Ireland. The Irish have the attacking edge, but the Springboks have the power and the infamous bomb squad waiting on the bench. It'll be a tight game, but it's hard to look past Ireland who look great value on the betting front. We don't see this game going over 45 points combined, and will be backing Ireland to win and under 44.5 at a generous 4.20 on Betway.